The Epiphany story (Matthew 2:6-10) teaches Christians at least three things: we can’t get to Jesus without God’s light leading us – we can’t make sense of where He’s leading us to without Scripture – and we can’t follow the star without moving our feet.
Some didn’t see it. Israel’s King Herod and his assembled “chief priest and teachers of the law” found fear instead of faith. They cowered at home, afraid for their future and blind to what was in plain sight: the star and the prophecy. Meanwhile, the Wise Men moved, motivated by God’s graceful gift of the star and directed in His Word to Bethlehem.
Take a Stand
Do you stand with the Wise Men or Jerusalem’s “not-so-wise-guys”?
This Epiphanytide, don’t let COVID keep you cowering, keep you from acting as the light of God’s love to a world that lives in darkness and people who need Jesus.
We may be separated from one another by COVID and harried by the concerns and fears of the world, worried about upcoming political transitions or where we stand in line in a vaccination policy. We may even see ourselves outside of God’s plan (“That’s for someone else, not a person like me.”).
But God’s Spirit and His Word tell a different story. Wise men and women will watch and listen.
So slow down today and listen to the Spirit’s urging. Read God’s Word and seek His will for your life in it. Jesus calls those who do “blessed” (Luke 11:28). And remember, like the Wise Men, God urges you to step out in faith and follow where He leads.
Epiphany Actions
So start with these three things and see what God does through them:
- Live as a “child of the light” (Ephesians 5:1-20) and “worthy of your calling” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
- Pray for someone in need (James 5:13-20).
- Write an encouraging note to someone (Saint Paul did that a lot) or make someone’s day with a caring phone call.
Or what about this: Host a watch party of your church’s online worship with a neighbor or coworker. In doing so you fulfill Jesus’ description of you as “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). Who knows…He may just use you and His Word to bring someone to Christ.
An Epiphany Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Lead me in Your truth and show me Your Way. Keep my eyes open to the opportunities You lay before me to love someone to life in Jesus. Give me the courage to act. Help me see my place in Your Kingdom and Your plan to use my life to lead others to You. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.